Grammatical Analysis
Sakkāyadiṭṭhi: [f.] Identity view; personality belief. Formed by sat (existing, real) + kāya (body, group, accumulation) + diṭṭhi (view, belief). Literally, the view concerning the existing group of aggregates.
Orthodox Definition
Sakkāyadiṭṭhi is the very first of the Ten Fetters (saṃyojana) that bind beings to the cycle of rebirth. It is the fundamental, instinctive delusion that an enduring “self,” “I,” or “soul” exists within, is identical to, or possesses the five aggregates (form, feeling, perception, formations, consciousness).
The Buddha analyzed this fetter into 20 specific variations (viewing each of the five aggregates in four ways: as self, as owned by self, as in self, or self as in the aggregate). This fetter is the root cause of all subsequent defilements, as all greed and hatred stem from protecting and indulging the perceived “self.”
It is permanently eradicated at the very first stage of awakening, Stream-entry (Sotāpatti), through the direct penetration of the Three Characteristics.
Textual References
- Sutta: Cūḷavedalla Sutta (MN 44) – Dhammadinnā brilliantly explains to Visākha exactly how identity view arises and how it ceases.
- Canonical: Sakkāya Sutta (SN 22.105) – The Buddha defines sakkāya strictly as the five clinging-aggregates.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XIV) – Providing the analytical breakdown of the 20 types of personality belief.